Form Tool vs. Routing Tool

[Pijetro]

I had profound results when I rest roughed following a routing tool. There was tool breakage.

I decided to create a form tool instead of routing tool, and got a much cleaner result..

Here's a small sample project of the recycled toolpath, using similar geometry (router vs form tool). If I'm doing something incorrect please let me know..

I've supplied a pattern, and original wireframe from a DXF file, in case somebody wants to recreate....

Thank you.

[jonathan.artiss]

Hi @Pijetro

Thank you for posting on the Autodesk PowerMill forum!

I haven't looked at the project but the following is my take on the difference. 

Form tools: These are 3D cutting ie. tools with theoretical rads.

Routing tools: These are mainly for 2D profiling to form a chamfer or a convex rad. 

Cheers,

[Anonymous]

From PM Help:

The toolpath produced with a routing tool is similar to a profile or swarf cut. It is generated using a standard end mill with a diameter that matches the position of the actual (or imaginary) ballrace used to guide the tool. Toolpaths calculated using a routing tool internally use an end mill with a diameter specified in the End Mill Diameter field.

So it means, that toolpath are internally calculated for end mill tool and if you use this for roughing, this process leave there many unmachined material (difference end mill - shape on real tool). For roughing exist only one way how to exact machine part with shaped tool- using form tool and calculating toolpaths with this. Calculation, simulation in ViewMill is then the same as real machining. But toolpath calculation, stock model calculation is slower.

[Pijetro]

The only reason I avoided the form tool was that the pattern (used to create the tool), kept getting returned as invalid..I therefore reverted to creating a routing tool.

However, I was finally able to create a pattern that was accepted to create the form tool...

Lesson learned.

[jonathan.artiss]

Hi @Pijetro

You cannot have a pattern that creates a concave area otherwise the form tool will give you the error. This is likely what was causing the issue but it looks like you have it all sorted now. 

Cheers,